Herbs Guide

Pau D'arco

Family Name: Bignonia

Botanical Name(s): Tabebuia avellanedae

Popular Name(s): LaPacho, Ipe Roxo, Taheboo tree

Parts Used: The inner bark

Habitat: Pau D'arco is widely found in South America. It is abundant in Brazil, Peru and Argentina.

Description: Pau D'arco is an evergreen tree which grows up to a height of 50 ft (45 m) and 10 ft (3 m) in diameter. The wood is very hard and makes fine furniture. The plant possesses broad leaves. It has large purple flowers which are used in landscaping and decoration.

Uses: Pau D'arco as antitumor, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Its inner bark is scraped and tea is brewed from it. The tea is known for its cool and bitter flavour. The tea is used to cure malaria, fever, arthritis, skin problems, and syphilis.